Invest in education early and see the rewards

Early education is an investment in the future, an investment that has been shown to reap dividends by study after study.

It's an investment that has been lacking in recent years in the state of Illinois. Preschools are an important piece of the early education puzzle, and yet the state cut preschool funding by $80 million between 2009 and 2013.

It appears Gov. Pat Quinn wants to reverse that trend. The governor announced a "birth to 5" initiative during his State of the State address last week. His plan would invest in quality preschool, prenatal care and support services for parents.